West End
Although the history of the West End Historic District can be traced from Meridian's earliest days, its significance lies in its large collection of residences dating from 1890 to 1910. These residences are also complemented by buildings built prior to and after these dates, but this collection presents continuous streetscapes of historic buildings. The period of significance for West End dates from 1870 to 1936, representing the rise of Meridian from its destruction during the Civil War to the position of Mississippi's largest city. The steady growth of Meridian's economy made possible the expansion of the city of the west.

Urban Center
The Meridian Urban Center Historic District, created in 1979, corresponds closely with a fire district created in 1872. At that time, 25th Avenue was the principal north-south axis and the streets running parallel to the tracks (Front, Fourth, and Fifth streets) were beginning to develop. During the 1880s through the 1920s, Meridian was the state's largest city. Commercial success built on railroading resulted in a large range of late 19th and early 20th Century architectural styles from Italianate row buildings to an Art Deco skyscraper.

East End
Little architectural evidence of Meridian's early history survives, due to the Civil War. However, the significance of the East End Historic District lies in its large collection of late 19th and early 20th Century Queen Anne/Colonial Revival cottages, representing Meridian's "Golden Age." Many of these cottages are of repetitive designs, creating interesting and picturesque streetscapes. The cottages are also good examples of the work of the city's numerous contractors, who kept pace with increasing housing demands as Meridian prospered at the turn of the century.

Mid-Town
The Mid-Town Historic District is a collection of architectural and historically important 20th Century residences representing the houses of Meridian's wealthy industrialists, professionals and merchants, as well as the working class. The homes are associated with Meridian's rapid growth at the beginning of the century, when the city was the center of Mississippi's railroad economy. The district has a greater percentage of brick structures, built as an alternative to the wooden frame residences made popular by the lumber industry and mills in Meridian.

Merrehope
The Merrehope Historical District started developing after the Civil War, but was subdivided ca. 1853 by city founder John T. Ball. Following the Civil War, Meridian's economy boomed through railroading, lumbering and textile enterprises. As Meridian began to grow northward, so did the need for housing. The housing development period for this district was late 1860 through 1940.

Depot
The Depot District is east of the Urban Center Historic District and consists of a four-block area. In 1885, Meridian was the junction of five railroads, with three others considering coming into the city. From 1885 to 1905, this area was primarily residential, with a small industrial complex developing around the railroads. The construction of the Union Station in 1905-1906 led to the development of this area in business and industry.

Poplar Springs
The Poplar Springs Historic District is a collection of residences representing the prosperity of Meridian at the turn of the 20th Century and pre-Depression era. The district developed around Poplar Springs Road (later Drive), at the time a winding country road leading into the north of the city. Besides the laying out of the streets and plots, hills were cut down and hollows filled. Hundreds of shade trees were planted and they still contribute to the streetscape of the Poplar Springs Historic District.

Highlands
The Highlands Historic District was originally known as Missouri Ridge because Union soldiers, primarily from Missouri, camped here and were engaged in a skirmish during the Civil War. With the advent of Meridian's light rail streetcar system in 1883, the city began to grow northward. When the streetcar line reached this district, it provided transportation that allowed the area to develop.

Highland Park
The origins of Highland Park can be traced back to 1889 when the area was used as the Meridian Fair and Livestock Exposition. The Fair and Exposition Corporation dissolved in 1906 and turned its property over to the newly formed Park Association. The Park Association was established as a non-profit corporation in 1906 to assemble property and develop initial plans for Highland Park. The Meridian Light and Railway Company had a rail line going from 8th Street up 34th Avenue that turned west between 19th and 20th Streets, then continued west into Highland Park. At the time Highland Park was designed, there was already a national trend for "streetcar" pleasure parks. Electric railway companies ventured into increasing their operations by owning or investing in such parks. Meridian Light and Railway followed the national trend, cooperating with the city to provide band concerts.

Union Station
Originally created in 1979 as the Meridian Depot District, the Union Station Historic District lies east of the Urban Center District and contains Union Station, Terminal Hotel, General Supply Co., and the Soule' Steam Feed complex. In 1885, Meridian was the junction of five railroads, with three others considering coming into the city. From 1885 to 1905, this area was primarily residential, with a small industrial complex developing around the railroads. The original construction of the Union Station in 1905-1906 led to the development of this area in business and industry. The name change occurred in 2000, after completion of the renovated Union Station Multi-Modal Transportation Facility.

Meridian Downtown
In 2005 City Council approved an amendment to the Code of Ordinances which consolidated and expanded the Urban Center District and the Union Station District into a single, contiguous, and larger district. The new Meridian Downtown Historic District runs from the railroad tracks north to 6th Street between 18th Avenue and 26th Avenue excluding Ragsdale Survey Block 71. Although 23 building resources have been lost since 1979, the district still boasts some 137 resources considered as contributing elements to its historic character.